M5 motorway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
|
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
_map.svg) |
||||
Looking south towards junction 20
|
||||
| Route information | ||||
| Maintained by Highways England | ||||
| Length | 162.9 mi (262.2 km) | |||
| Existed | 1962–present | |||
| History | Opened: 1962 Completed: 1977 |
|||
| Major junctions | ||||
| Northeast end | West Bromwich | |||
 M6 motorway   J4a → M42 motorway   J8 → M50 motorway   J15 → M4 motorway   J18a → M49 motorway |
||||
| Southwest end | Exminster | |||
| Location | ||||
| Counties: | West Midlands, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Somerset, Devon | |||
| Primary destinations: |
West Bromwich Birmingham Bromsgrove Worcester Cheltenham Gloucester Bristol Weston-super-Mare Bridgwater Taunton Exeter |
|||
| Road network | ||||
|
||||
→
The M5 is a very important motorway in England. It helps connect the Midlands region with the South West of the country. Think of it as a super-fast road designed for long journeys.
This motorway starts at Junction 8 of the M6 near Birmingham in West Bromwich. It then travels all the way down to Exeter in Devon. The M5 is often called the main route to South West England. Because so many people use it, especially during summer holidays, Friday afternoons, and other public holidays, it can get very busy, especially south of the M4.
Contents
About the M5 Motorway
The M5 motorway is about 163 miles (262 kilometers) long. It was first opened in 1962 and was fully completed in 1977. This means it took 15 years to build the entire road! Highways England is in charge of keeping the M5 in good condition and making sure it runs smoothly.
Where Does the M5 Go?
The M5 passes through several different counties in England. These include West Midlands, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Bristol, Somerset, and Devon. Along its route, it connects to many important cities and towns. Some of these include Birmingham, Worcester, Gloucester, Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater, Taunton, and Exeter.
What Are Motorway Junctions?
Motorway junctions are special exits and entrances that allow cars to join or leave the motorway. They are numbered to help drivers know where they are and where to turn off. The M5 has many junctions, connecting it to other major roads and motorways like the M4 motorway, M6 motorway, M42 motorway, M50 motorway, and M49 motorway. These connections make it easy for people to travel across different parts of England.
Motorway Services
Along the M5, there are special places called "services" or "service stations." These are like rest stops where drivers and passengers can take a break. They usually have petrol stations, food places, shops, and toilets. Some of the services on the M5 include Frankley services, Strensham services, Gloucester services, Michaelwood services, Gordano services, Sedgemoor services, Bridgwater services, Taunton Deane services, Cullompton services, and Exeter services. These stops are important for long journeys to ensure drivers can rest safely.
Images for kids
